NR 507 – Alterations in the Endocrine System Pathophysiology Study Guide | Complete Test Bank, Practice Questions, Verified Answer Key, Detailed Rationales, and Exam Prep for MSN, NP, and Advanced Nursing Students (Latest 2025–2026 Edition)

Comprehensive NR 507 Endocrine System
Pathophysiology Resource with Study Guide, Test
Bank, Exam Practice Questions, Correct Answers, and
In-Depth Rationales for Graduate Nursing, MSN, and
Nurse Practitioner Programs (Updated 2025–2026
Material)

Question 1
A patient presents with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. What
condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Hypothyroidism. (Correct Option)
B) Hyperthyroidism
C) Addison's disease
D) Cushing's syndrome
Rationale:
Hypothyroidism is characterized by fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance due to
decreased metabolic rate.


Question 2
A nurse is teaching a patient about the causes of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Which
factor should be emphasized?
A) Inadequate insulin administration. (Correct Option)
B) Excessive physical activity
C) Low carbohydrate intake
D) Increased hydration
Rationale:
Inadequate insulin administration leads to hyperglycemia in diabetic patients by failing
to facilitate glucose uptake.


Question 3
A patient with Addison's disease is at risk for which complication?
A) Adrenal crisis. (Correct Option)
B) Hyperglycemia
C) Osteoporosis
D) Cushing's syndrome
Rationale:

,Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening condition that can occur in patients with Addison's
disease due to insufficient cortisol.


Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient with acromegaly. What finding should the nurse expect?
A) Enlarged hands and feet. (Correct Option)
B) Weight loss
C) Decreased hair growth
D) Hypoglycemia
Rationale:
Acromegaly is caused by excess growth hormone and is characterized by enlarged
hands, feet, and facial features.


Question 5
A patient presents with excessive thirst and frequent urination. What condition should
the nurse consider?
A) Diabetes mellitus. (Correct Option)
B) Cushing's syndrome
C) Hyperthyroidism
D) Addison's disease
Rationale:
Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria) are classic symptoms of
diabetes mellitus.


Question 6
A nurse is educating a patient about the role of insulin. What is the primary function of
insulin in the body?
A) Facilitating glucose uptake into cells. (Correct Option)
B) Increasing blood glucose levels
C) Promoting fat breakdown
D) Enhancing protein synthesis
Rationale:
Insulin's primary role is to facilitate the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering
blood sugar levels.

,Question 7
A patient with a history of hyperthyroidism is experiencing anxiety, weight loss, and heat
intolerance. What condition should the nurse suspect?
A) Graves' disease. (Correct Option)
B) Hashimoto's thyroiditis
C) Cushing's syndrome
D) Addison's disease
Rationale:
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, characterized
by symptoms like anxiety and weight loss.


Question 8
A nurse is caring for a patient with type 1 diabetes. What is the most important teaching
point regarding insulin administration?
A) Administer insulin before meals. (Correct Option)
B) Store insulin in the freezer
C) Mix insulin with other medications
D) Avoid checking blood glucose levels
Rationale:
Insulin should be administered before meals to effectively manage blood glucose levels
after eating.


Question 9
A patient with Cushing's syndrome presents with a "moon face" and purple striae. What
is the underlying cause of these symptoms?
A) Increased cortisol levels. (Correct Option)
B) Decreased aldosterone levels
C) Insulin resistance
D) Hypothyroidism
Rationale:
Increased cortisol levels in Cushing's syndrome lead to fat redistribution and skin
changes, including "moon face" and striae.

, Question 10
A nurse is monitoring a patient with hypothyroidism. What lab result would be
expected?
A) Elevated TSH levels. (Correct Option)
B) Decreased T3 and T4 levels
C) Elevated glucose levels
D) Decreased TSH levels
Rationale:
In hypothyroidism, TSH levels are elevated due to the pituitary gland's response to low
thyroid hormone levels.


Question 11
A patient is diagnosed with diabetes insipidus. What symptom is most characteristic of
this condition?
A) Excessive urination. (Correct Option)
B) Excessive thirst
C) Elevated blood glucose
D) Fatigue
Rationale:
Excessive urination (polyuria) is a hallmark symptom of diabetes insipidus due to
inadequate vasopressin (ADH) production.


Question 12
A nurse is assessing a patient with hyperparathyroidism. What finding is most likely?
A) Hypercalcemia. (Correct Option)
B) Hypocalcemia
C) Hyperphosphatemia
D) Weight gain
Rationale:
Hyperparathyroidism leads to increased calcium release from bones, resulting in
hypercalcemia.


Question 13